Kristine Disney is a long-time resident of Wheat Ridge and is the president of the Board of Directors for the non-profit organization Local Works whose mission is to advance Wheat Ridge as a vibrant and sustainable community. Kristine can be found biking all over town, gardening, and hanging at her favorite spots!
What Neighborhood do you live in?
I live in the heart of Wheat Ridge near The Ridge at 38.
Why did you choose Wheat Ridge?
It was fate! In 2012 I was on the hunt for my next house. I had lived in Wheat Ridge for fifteen years, and was ready for a bigger home. I found one a few blocks away from where I was living, but the deal fell through about a week before I was supposed to close. The morning after my ill-fated contract fell apart, I looked at my current home. I had seen it online in prior searches, but wasn’t interested, however my Realtor encouraged me to look, so I did. It was exactly what I had been searching for and I couldn’t be happier. Another bonus was that I gained incredible neighbors on all sides; it was if I was rewarded for my previous misfortune.
What are your favorite local places?
I am an avid gardener, so I love Al’s Pine Gardens and Young’s Market for perennial and annual flower purchases. Vitruvian Fitness is my gym and the place where I go to get in shape and stay sane. Heine’s and Edward’s Meats have excellent produce and meat, so I don’t need much more! And Cosmos is the best pet food store around, they take good care of my two cats.
What do you love about Denver and Wheat Ridge?
The weather! Even though the weather isn’t as spectacular as it was twenty years ago, it’s still pretty hard to beat. Wheat Ridge still has a small town feel, and it feels like home to me.
What brought you to Colorado?
I had been living in Oklahoma City for sixteen years, and had accomplished all I had set out to do in that community. I was ready for a change, and I had relatives here, so it was the logical next step. I remember telling my parents when I was in high school that I would live in Colorado one day, so perhaps it was self-fulfilling prophecy?
How would you describe the personality or “vibe” of Wheat Ridge?
It’s a mixed bag, which makes it so interesting. There are new young families moving here with a vision to see the city improve and add some newer amenities, while on the other hand you have folks who have lived here for fifty years who have no interest in seeing any change at all. Wheat Ridge is in a fantastic location, so those who move here, tend to stay put. At some point, change will have to come, because our infrastructure is aging and will need to be replaced. Change is inevitable, and the best way to manage it is to stay positive!
No one knows Wheat Ridge better than Joy Opp. Reach out to her to ask her about neighborhood questions! joyopp.liveurbandenver.com
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